Lahore

Last week, Kashf Found-ation, a champion for women’s empowerment, took a bold step towards social change with a launch event for its latest drama series, Zard Patton Ka Bunn.

The star-studded event in Lahore wasn’t just about celebrating a new show; it was a powerful statement about the transformative potential of entertainment.

Apart from a slew of cast members, members of the media fraternity, and several dignitaries such as Luke Myers, Counsellor and Head of Cooperation at Global Affairs Canada, Alicia Sosa, First Secretary Global Affairs Canada, Moneeza Hashmi, Adeel Hashmi, Seemi Raheel, Rehan Sheikh, Samiya Mumtaz, Navid Shahzad, Amina Mufti, Kashif Nisar and many others were present.

The launch affair featured a red carpet and a panel discussion titled, A Fine Entertainment for Social Change, highlighting the show’s core mission. Kashf Foundation’s founder, Roshaneh Zafar, co-hosted the discussion with media figure Moneeza Hashmi.

The panel - comprised of the show’s creators, (director) Saife Hasan and (writer) Mustafa Afridi, alongside cast members Sajal Aly, Hamza Sohail, and Samiya Mumtaz, and Saman Rai, CEO of PPIF (Punjab Population Innovation Fund) - explored how entertainment can be a powerful tool for addressing social issues like population control and girls’ education.

Acclaimed actress Sajal Aly underscored the importance of education, particularly for girls. “Education is the foundation,” she stated. “Just as a building starts with bricks, a girl’s future is built on education. It’s a cause I deeply care about, and I applaud Kashf Foundation for their dedication to this issue.”

Hamza Sohail, discussing his character and the importance of positive masculinity, shared, “Playing Dr. Nofil taught me the true meaning of positive masculinity. He exemplifies how men can be feminists and strong advocates for women’s rights.”

Zard Patton Ka Bunn is a collaborative effort between Kashf Foundation and a local production house, directed by Saife Hasan and written by Mustafa Afridi. The cast boasts prominent actors including Sajal Aly, Hamza Sohail, Rehan Sheikh, Samiya Mumtaz, and many more.

The serial is trying to break the mold, opting for a refreshing departure from conventional narratives and tired tropes. It tackles sensitive issues like maternal health, child labor, substance abuse, and gender-based violence, aiming to engage audiences while sparking important conversations. This approach emphasizes that impactful storytelling doesn’t need to rely on sensationalism, but on the power of narrative to raise awareness and inspire change.

Kashf Foundation’s impressive track record speaks volumes. They’ve empowered millions through loans and healthcare initiatives, and their past success in merging entertainment with social issues suggests a bright future for their newest production.

Despite its promising start, the series, like many such dramas, faces the ongoing challenge of balancing entertainment and social messaging. However, the show’s commitment to both is crucial. Powerful messages delivered through engaging narratives have the potential
to spark widespread social progress.

As viewers, we can hope that this production sets a ground-breaking precedent. With its strong foundation, meaningful story, and talented cast, this drama has the power to not only entertain but also inspire crucial conversations and positive societal change. The dedication of the creators and the foundation underscores the immense potential of the entertainment industry to be a catalyst for social reform. Additionally, this production aims to inspire a ripple effect, encouraging other creators to prioritize social issues and contribute to a better future through their work.

“Education is the
foundation. Just as a building starts with bricks, a girl’s future
is built on education. It's a cause I deeply care about. – Sajal Aly”